My New Wheels.........

MBZ 500E · 05-19-03, 05:13

Well I finally decided to upgrade my wheels and tires. The car originally had 16" Rims with 225/55 Tires, I changed to 17" EVOII Rims with new 245/45 Bridgestone SO3's.

Here's a pic:

Lynn · 05-19-03, 08:58

Beautiful car, MBZ500E. I think this is the 1st time I've seen a photo.

Now, putting on my Concours hat: In Jaguar, if you change the wheel/tire size (diameter or tire width) from the original equipment, that nets you a hefty non-authenticity deduction.

Forewarned is forearmed. I've put larger tires on my Jag for the sake of a little more smooth/stable ride, but I also know I'll have to swap them out before my next Concours. Memo to self: Make good friends with a tire-shop owner.

MBZ 500E · 05-19-03, 09:25

Lynn,

Thanks for the compliments.

Your absolutely right about the wheels being a deduction in points. In MBCA Street Class I will lose points for this modifications as well as a couple of others. I plan on reversing a few of the modifications before the show, but for this year the wheels will stay on the car. I'm having my original wheels refinished in their original grey (They're chrome right now) and I will install some tires on them for shows only.

I think this year will be a trial year for me to learn and determine what judges are looking for. I unfortunately can't afford to get the car absolutely perfect, but by next year I should be closer.

Lynn · 05-19-03, 10:08

Good plan, MBZ500E!

I admire your attitude.

Hey, I have a '93 190E. Wanna swap????

I can tell you'd be a good influence on her.

But seriously, I think part of the fun here is maintaining an older car -- showing how gracefully a fine car can age. (Yeah, I never did get around to creating that new thread, did I?

)

MBZ 500E · 05-19-03, 10:33

Actually I love the 190E, I used to own a 84 190E 2.3 that I bought in 91 and had for six years! Let me know if you have any questions about it.

Also if your interested in learning more about the mechanicals of your MB check out this link:

http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/index.php3

Great group of people with a great deal of knowledge to maintain your MB without getting ripped off.

Scottwax · 05-19-03, 10:49

Nice car! I still prefer the looks of the late 80's/early 90's E-Class to the newer ones. Even better that you have the top dog engine too!

Simple, easy to clean rims, too!

Lynn · 05-19-03, 11:26

Quote:

Originally posted by MBZ 500E
Actually I love the 190E, I used to own a 84 190E 2.3 that I bought in 91 and had for six years! Let me know if you have any questions about it.

Also if your interested in learning more about the mechanicals of your MB check out www.mercedesshop.com, great group of people and very knowledgable people and techs on the forum section.

Thanks for the tip. Sadly, she's been neglected with all my focus on the Jags. I'll have to check that one out. Too often, I feel WAY too stupid to own such nice cars. But I'm learning ... and working ...

MBZ 500E · 05-21-03, 10:53

Scott,

I agree 100%, I love the look of the older MB's, something about not designing strictly around aerodynamics! I've only had this car for a little over a year now and had many many choices of vehicles to choose from. When I realized I could afford this car it was like putting blinders on.

Lynn,

If definitely is fun taking care of and maintaining a fine car and I always love the comments my neighbors make when I tell them the car is a 92!

Luster · 05-21-03, 12:13

Those 17's really compliment the car nicely!

My 17's are very much like yours (except 7 spoke). I get a lot of positive comments about them.

Personally, I don't care about my car being original. The shows I attend are 95% custom anyway. (I do, however, appreciate the work others put into keeping their cars original!).

But a nice set of custom wheels really turns heads!

MBZ 500E · 05-21-03, 12:24

Thanks Luster.

To be honest these wheels are actually OEM Mercedes Wheels and they were installed on the 1994 version of my car. They even have the correct chassis number. So technically they're partially original to the car but not what came on the car from the factory in 1992. Hopefully MB Concours judges won't deduct the full amount of points for this!

Can you post a pic of your wheels? EDIT: I just saw the link in your signature.......Wheels look Sweet!